Dodger's pitcher, Clayton Kershaw, declares his retirement following a 18-year tenure with the team.
Clayton Kershaw Announces Retirement After Illustrious Career with the Dodgers
In a sentimental announcement, 37-year-old left-handed pitcher Clayton Kershaw has declared his retirement from Major League Baseball, effective at the end of the current season. The news comes after 18 seasons with the Los Angeles Dodgers, a team he has called home since his draft in 2006.
Kershaw's career with the Dodgers has been nothing short of extraordinary. He earned a dominant performance in 2017, securing another ERA title and helping the team win their first pennant in 29 years. This victory was a prelude to the two World Series titles Kershaw would go on to win with the Dodgers.
Kershaw's retirement becomes official on Thursday, marking the end of a Hall of Fame career. Throughout his tenure with the Dodgers, he has accumulated more than 3,000 strikeouts, won three Cy Young Awards, and was even named MVP in 2014.
Despite numerous injuries, including an elbow injury, shoulder surgery, and foot and knee procedures, Kershaw continued to come back every spring, believing he could still contribute to a World Series contender. His resilience was evident in the pandemic-shortened 2020 season, where he had a resurgent performance, going 6-2 in the regular season with a 2.16 ERA.
Kershaw's retirement comes after contemplating it over each of the past four offseasons. His final game with the Dodgers is scheduled to be on Friday night at Dodger Stadium. The event is sure to be emotional, as Kershaw has spent his entire professional career with the team.
Max Muncy, a teammate, expressed his disbelief at Kershaw's retirement, stating that it had been 22 years since he had been with the team. Kershaw's retirement follows a renaissance season, where he has a 10-2 record in 20 starts with a 3.53 ERA.
Kershaw's retirement is bittersweet, as he knew he would be a Dodger for life after the 2020 World Series title. The title meant more to him than he could have ever imagined, and he relished in the celebration, especially the title-winning parade.
As Kershaw prepares to retire, he looks forward to the future, including the arrival of his family's fifth child. The Dodgers, too, will have to look to the future, with no indication of Kershaw being replaced by a specific player in the National League West Division.
Kershaw's retirement marks the end of an era for the Dodgers, but his legacy will live on in the hearts of fans and the records he has set. His dedication, resilience, and talent have made him a true Dodger for life.
